How to Send a Flat-Rate Package from Home!

So this is a strange post to write, but just in case anyone is interested, I thought I would write about the (convenient) experience!

I wish I had known about this service before, when I would stand for line for several hours waiting to send numerous packages of books when I was moving from New York back to the Chicago suburbs.

Sometimes, we don’t have oodles of time to hit the post-office.

Likewise, if you live in the middle of nowhere like I do, even small trips to the post-office can make a difference in your gas mileage.

USPS Flat-Rate boxes come in a variety of sizes and you are welcome to grab a few for FREE the next time you’re there.

These make for quick boxes when you’re sending presents to someone, or fulfilling an order you’ve sold (perhaps on Ebay, Etsy, or Amazon.com). Anytime I have bought something from Night Owl Paper Goods it always come in a USPS small flat-rate box. This is good for them, and good for me- the shipping is always the same!

This also came in handy when I had to send my boyfriend his phone charger he left at my house 🙂

Once you have logged in, make sure you keep your username and password in a place where you can remember it!

From here, you just input your address, and the address of your destination.

You will be checking the FLAT RATE option:

The next step is pick-a-box!

I have selected the small flat-rate box, and as you can see it’s $5.15 flat rate. Not a bad price if you feel like sending a friend a mini-care package!

Next you will be able to review your cart, just to make sure everything’s going to the right place!

After that, it’s billing time!

Thankfully, you can use PAYPAL!! Either paypal, or your handy credit card will do.

Next, once you have confirmed payment, you can print out your shipping label!

From here, you just print, tape your label on, and ship!

I am lucky enough that I work in an office with a USPS mail carrier who physically comes to our office to pick up mail. A small flat rate box is no problem to pick up among our other envelopes and packages!

You can also leave this in your mailbox for pick-up (put up that red flag!) or drop it off in your local blue USPS drop box. If you’re worried (as I am) about potential damage to the box, just drop it off in-person at the post office.

OR, you can schedule a pick up by following the guidelines via the USPS website.